Inside the Mind of a Vocal Coach: A Conversation with VTS Coach Emily

I recently sat down with Coach Emily, a mix voice specialist at VoxTape Studios, to talk about her coaching philosophy, how she helps singers find vocal freedom, and some of the most common challenges singers face when trying to improve their voices. We covered everything from whether anyone can learn to sing to how she adapts her teaching to different types of learners.

Here’s what she had to say.

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Can Anyone Learn How To Sing?

🎙 Lara: A lot of singers think that great vocalists are just born with it. Do you think anyone can learn how to sing?

💬 Emily: Absolutely. There’s this huge myth that singing is all talent, but it’s really about understanding and training your voice. Some people might start off with a natural advantage, but I’ve seen singers with “zero talent” develop beautiful, powerful voices just by learning how to use their instrument correctly.

It comes down to awareness, coordination, and practice. If you’re willing to train your voice like you would any other skill, you can get there.

Do Voice Types Matter?

🎙 Lara: What’s your take on voice types? Do you think singers should stay in their “assigned” vocal category, or is it more flexible?

💬 Emily: I think voice types are useful for understanding how your voice naturally functions, but they shouldn’t be a limitation. A singer might be classified as a soprano but still want to develop a rich lower range, or a baritone might want to explore their falsetto. I encourage singers to expand their range and versatility instead of boxing themselves into a label.

That being said, I always work with a singer’s unique vocal traits rather than forcing them to sound a certain way. It’s about finding what feels natural while still growing your capabilities.

How Do Different Singers Learn?

🎙 Lara: Every singer processes information differently. How do you adjust your coaching to fit different learning styles?

💬 Emily: Oh, this is one of my favorite parts of coaching! Some singers learn best by feeling the technique—like noticing where the resonance is or how their breath flows. Others need a visual explanation, like imagining a sound “floating” above their head. And then there are singers who need to understand the science behind it—what’s happening in the vocal folds, why certain adjustments work.

My job as a coach is to figure out what makes it click for each student. If one explanation isn’t working, I’ll shift to another approach until it lands for them. That’s why a one-size-fits-all method doesn’t work in vocal training.

How to Overcome Vocal Tension & Constriction

🎙 Lara: A lot of singers struggle with tension, especially when trying to mix belt. How do you help them work through that?

💬 Emily: First, we need to figure out where the tension is coming from. Is it in the jaw? The tongue? The throat? Once we pinpoint it, I guide singers through exercises to release that tension while still maintaining vocal support.

One of my favorite tools is straw phonation—it helps reset the voice and teaches singers how to use breath more efficiently without over-engaging muscles. Another great one is yawn-sighs—they immediately relax the throat and encourage open resonance.

What’s the Most Important Skill for Singers to Develop?

🎙 Lara: If you could give every singer just one key lesson, what would it be?

💬 Emily: Vocal awareness. Hands down. If you don’t know what’s happening in your own voice, it’s hard to improve. The best singers aren’t just talented—they’re aware of how their voice functions and how to make adjustments. That’s what allows them to have control.

So if there’s one thing I’d say to any singer reading this, it’s: Start paying attention. Record yourself, listen back, notice what feels easy and what feels tense. That awareness is what separates an okay singer from a great one.

Watch Emily in Action

Emily’s insights are invaluable for any singer looking to develop their voice, but the best way to understand her coaching style is to see her in action. In our latest episode of From Singer to Artist, Emily coaches me through Beautiful Things by Benson Boone, helping me unlock my mix belt and apply these techniques in real time.

🎙️ Watch the episode here (live coaching starts at 36:00): [Insert link]

Emily is an incredible coach who brings clarity, structure, and freedom to every singer she works with. Whether you're struggling with vocal tension, mix belting, or just want to develop a stronger voice, her approach is a game-changer!

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